Friday, May 22, Los Angeles County Officials delivered new information surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. L.A. continues to move towards larger strides in economic recovery, business experts from each sector are constructing a plan that will accelerate the time to reopen by July. The Los Angeles Director of Public Health Dr. Barbara Ferrer shared the latest updates behind the positive case count and the death rates due to COVID-19. The data behind this viral pandemic remains to be a compass used to explore a new way of living.

Considering Memorial Weekend, L.A. County opened bike paths along the beach and have included car parades to celebrate 2020 graduates. The beach safety protocols include bringing your own mask and practicing physical distancing. Groups of any size are not allowed on the beach. Chairs, umbrellas, canopies, and grills will not be permitted. Piers, volleyball courts, and boardwalks are closed for the time being. Food vending or concessions stands will remain closed.

Car parades are allowed for celebratory moments such as graduations, birthdays, and other special days. Motorcycles, bikes, or vehicles without doors cannot be included in car parades. If any windows are down, the members in the car must be wearing a face mask. The parade must take place in a location large enough to accommodate physical distancing, the parade limit is connected to size of the location. There is no food vending or sales allowed during the parade.

Additionally, indoor retail businesses become active in L.A., shopping Malls must follow the health order issued, a Checklist for Retail Establishments Opening for Curbside Pickup. There will be clear markings of designated curbside shopping areas.

Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Public Health Director. (Screen Shot)

Dr. Ferrer shared the latest numbers surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. As of Friday, May 22, there were 35 additional deaths, 25 of these individuals were between the ages of 65 and over, 20 of them with underlining health conditions. five people who died were between the ages of 41-65, three of these victims had preexisting health concerns. This brings the total COVID-19 related deaths in the L.A. County to 2,049. 14% of all positive cases were hospitalized at some point. Fatal cases within congregational settings such as assistant living represent 52% of overall COVID-19 deaths.

Ferrer disclosed as of May 22, there were 1,072 new COVID-19 reports. In summary, there is a total amount of 43,052 coronavirus cases in the Los Angeles region. 1,495 incidents were reported in the city of Long Beach and 790 cases in the city of Pasadena. The statistics among the unsheltered community report 326 positive cases, 166 individuals were staying at a shelter and properly isolated.

The relationship between COVID-19 effects and ethnicity were disclosed. The racial background was collected for 1,898 fatal cases, 12% were African American, 17% were Asian, 1% were Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 39% were LatinX, 29% were white, and 1% identified as a different race or ethnicity. 93% of those who died due to COVID-19 had preexisting health concerns.

Public officials are looking for ways to make life safer amid this viral pandemic, earlier today L.A. County announced three new openings in light of the holiday weekend. Beach bike paths, malls, and indoor retail shoppes are now open for curbside pickup. Masks are still mandatory while at the beach or during curbside pickup, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many school districts approached the L.A. Board of supervisors to consider car parades to celebrate the 2020 graduates. There has been guidance issued to conduct car parades while keeping physical distancing measurements in place. The County is looking to set up a new sense of normal for the community. Supervisor Kathryn Barger stated, “ I along with my colleagues are ready to move from safer at home to safer at work, and safer in our communities.”